While on patrol in the Middle East region, HMAS Arunta conducted a boarding and discovered about 800kg of illegal narcotics. *** Local Caption *** HMAS Arunta seized more than 800kg of illegal narcotics during maritime security operations in the Middle East region (MER). Under the direction of the Canadian-Australian lead Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, HMAS Arunta intercepted and boarded a fishing vessel (dhow) operating in a manner consistent with possible illegal activity. HMAS Arunta operates as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Forces, predominately tasked to support Combined Task Force 150 for counter-terrorism and maritime security operations. Arunta is deployed on Operation MANITOU, supporting international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region (MER). Arunta is on her third deployment to the MER and is the 64th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy vessel to the region since 1990.
{}